China’s carbon neutral goals slowed by ‘inertia’, climate scientists warn

A report from Tsinghua University says the country should aim to reach peak carbon emissions before 2030 and then accelerate the pace of reform

But experts say meeting Xi Jinping’s commitments ‘needs time and a huge effort’ because continued economic growth will increase demand for energy

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Scientists say China should aim to reach peak emissions before 2030. Photo: AP

Published: 8:00am, 13 Oct 2020Updated: 8:23am, 13 Oct 2020

China’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060 is unlikely to result in a rapid shift in energy use because of “inertia” in the energy and economic sectors, a leading climate research body has warned.

The report from the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University said the country should try to reach peak carbon emissions before 2030 and then “accelerate the transition” if it is to meet the target.

Last month President Xi Jinping made the commitment to become carbon neutral by 2060 during a UN summit.

“China’s economy and energy systems are big and complex. Inertia means it needs time and a huge effort,” He Jiankun, the lead author of the study, told an online seminar on Monday.

“China’s economy keeps growing as well as energy demand, which will result in new carbon dioxide emissions,” he continued, saying it would not be able to meet its targets immediately.